TeamPSB Stock Risers: The Best of Summer Sept. 10, 2012

Mychal Johnson at the PSB Tipoff Classic playing for the West Virginia Thunder. *Photo by Ty Freeman

MARIETTA, Ga. – The name of this event fit the performances by many of the players in this tournament. Perimeter players were able to stretch the floor from well beyond the arc, while post players ate up rebounds in the lane. Coaches from over 60 colleges and universities took in this successful event at All Tournament Players Park.

By: Stephen Peck

Follow @scpeck

Mychal Johnson (Huntington, W.Va.) — West Virginia Thunder — 2014

Big time players have big time games on big game stages. This was the case with Mychal Johnson in the championship game of the Any Gym Is Home division in the Best of Summer exposure event, when the 5-foot-8 guard dropped 32 points.  In doing so she was almost perfect shooting on the night, from the field as well as the free-throw line. Defenses have their work cut out for them as they attempt to defend the triple threat game of Johnson. Her well-rounded game has drawn the attention of many top college programs throughout the country. Johnson is the type of player that makes the players around her better and play with more confidence. She definitely has a bright future and a lot of good basketball to come.

Spotlight Players

Haley Gerrin (Clarksville, Ga.) — EOTO — 2013

Consistency in play and improvement are both areas of development that college coaches look at when assessing talent and needs for their program. Haley Gerrin is showing that she has what it takes to be an asset at the next level. The 6-2 post player has nice touch around the basket and can make shots out to 15 feet. Her physicality and ability to score with contact are valuable attributes that will translate well at the next level.

Katie Powell (Duluth, Ga.) — FBC Southeast 17 Black — 2014

Katie Powell is a 6-3 forward who has the versatility to post up in the lane or stretch the defense to the arc. It is this dynamic which makes her a match-up problem for most defenses. We are beginning to see her turn the corner by showing more confidence on the offensive end and more energy on the defensive side. It could be said that she is beginning to “turn the corner.”

Parting Thoughts

GA Sparks 2015 had an impressive group of young talented prospects. Atyanna Gauldin (PG) and Kydrianna Jackson (PF) will be players to watch in the class of 2016.

Curteeona Brelove (FL-14) was impressive with her activity and aggressiveness on the boards. The 6-2 power forward has good touch around the rim and has good elevation on her mid-range jumper. Her strength and motor make her a solid prospect at the next level.

Phoenix Select came with some of the best 2016 prospects at the Best of Summer tournament. These kids from NC will be ones to watch in the near future.

Stephen Peck is a National Evaluator for the JumpOffPlus.com. He also serves on the selection committee for the EBA All-American, Fab Five and Super 64 Camps. He has been involved in the community since 2009 as a national evaluator. You can reach him via email at [email protected] and follow him on twitter @scpeck2